Collaborations include those from Boulder County locals The Post, Twisted Pine, Upslope, Boulder Beer, West Flanders, Powder Keg and many more. Left Hand Brewing and Frisco’s Backcountry Brewery, for instance, have collaborated to make a chocolate rye weizenbock that will be available at the fest.

The chefs will create tasting stations and serve small plates based on their chosen theme. Wines from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery will be served, and Lucky’s Bakehouse pastry chef Jen Bush will supply desserts. There will be live music from Maxwell Hughes, formerly of The Lumineers, and directors, actors and producers will be at the event as well.

The Blind Café is teaming up with local blind organizations to raise awareness and benefit the local blind community, while also providing a unique dining experience for those who attend. The night includes a vegetarian meal, prepared by a local chef, and live music… all executed in pitch darkness.

Dickens has assembled a special Valentine’s Day menu for two ($100 total). The three-course special menu offers an eclectic selection of dishes to choose from, including lobster ravioli, duck breast salad, tournedos or seared Hawaiian tuna. The meal will conclude with the “ultimate chocolate cake” and bourbon cherries.

Without an ocean in sight for about 1,000 miles, one would not expect Boulder County to possess one of the best sushi hubs in the country. But Sushi Tora, at 2014 10 St. in Boulder, was recently named one of the 21 best sushi spots in America by Thrillist.

“Due to the overwhelming response to the expansion of The Rib House landmark restaurant in Longmont (1920 S. Coffman St.) the dedicated owners Tracy and Merry Ann Webb, have decided to dedicate their efforts in Longmont,” The Rib House said in a recent press release.

Black Cat Bistro in Boulder will be hosting a six-course beef dinner on Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. The beef will be sourced from their own farm, and the event is a special opportunity to honor the Scottish Highland cattle that were brought to the farm last year.

The event, called FEED: Cold, will serve patrons four small plates and cocktails that are accompanied by and supplemented by artistic performances. It is a follow-up to a previous event by The Catamounts, a theatrical production company that runs shows throughout Colorado.

“Fernet is a dark minty liqueur made with herbs and spices and aged in oak barrels. Leopold Bros. has crafted its own unique recipe which includes lavender, honeysuckle, ginger root, bitter aloe, dandelion root, rose petals, chamomile and peppermint,” Odell said in a press release.